Mentorship in health services leadership

Abstract:

The objectives of this study were to identify leadership competencies required by health
services leaders, determine the role of mentorship in leadership development and,
make recommendations for succession planning in the public health sector. A
quantitative approach using an exploratory and descriptive design was used, with the
intention of conducting a census survey. Respondents were managers in positions 11
and upward.
Findings revealed that experience assisted managers in improving the technical
competencies of human resources, financial and strategic planning, but not that of
leadership skills and behaviour, and communication and relationship management,
which required development in the form of mentorship. It is recommended that
leadership development for future leaders be embedded in succession planning, based
on policy guidelines.
Limitations of this study were that a response rate of 30% was achieved and due to the
narrow geographical coverage, the findings could not be generalised.